This might be a silly question, but how do you keep your ratties tails clean? I clean my babies cage twice a week and use baby wipes but it doesn't do the trick. Does anybody else have this problem or have any suggestions? Thank you!

You can use a very mild soap such as baby shampoo or kitten shampoo and a soft washcloth or terrycloth. Get a good lather with distilled water and gently rub the tail from top to bottom, never the other way around, as the scales could be rubbed off.

Also try a baby-soft toothbrush with the mild soap mixture, gently brushing top to bottom again.

Chlorhexadine (from your vet) or betadine solution can be used - ask your vet how to dilute it properly.

Always, always, rinse well afterwards so your ratty doesn't ingest any of the soaps or medical solutions.

Hi I am raising a baby wild rat and his tailis a beautiful brown. He cleans it by himself...I mentioned to my husband that his tail was so much nicer than the white rats we have had. BUT I also have a parrot and 2 hissing cock roaches near by. I have to keep a hudmidfier going every couple of days. (Walmart, $7) ..I never heard of cleaning a tail. Do you think that it may be too dry where he is? ....Rita